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gerridetweiler.bsky.social
Supporting consumers and small business owners through financial education. #fintech When I'm not thinking about money I'm traveling or planning the next adventure. Views expressed are my own.
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Rant. Paid $106 w/ insurance for meds that costs $26.75 on @costplusdrugs.com. (Due to upcoming travel don't have time to switch.) So tired of this system: *You don't really know how much insurance price will be until they run it. *Costs change from month to month *None of it makes sense

For some good news on junk hotel and ticket fees... www.checkbook.org/national/con...

Major cuts to key SBA programs are likely to hurt the smallest small businesses: www.americanprogress.org/article/doge...

If you are also worried about tariffs and supply chain shortages, and have the financial means to prepare, here is what I have stocked up on and plan to buy soon, plus what I would get if I had kids, a car or a larger home, based on reporting I've read or done myself in the last several months (🧵):

SCORE mentors have helped more than 17 million business owners across the country. I've seen the dedication of its volunteers and staff first hand. I'm joining the effort to aqsk Congress to continue its funding to support small businesses. You can too: mstr.app/c7dd7a21-5ba...

"Student debt surge, reaching a record $1,797 billion, raises concerns. The end of the student loan repayment moratorium has driven higher defaults, potentially curbing consumer spending and increasing household financial stress." New debt statistics from Fed: www.connectmoney.com/evening-brie...

Proposed student loan payment plans: "...RAP often leads to higher total payments, especially for low-income borrowers. (SAVE) would have offered lower monthly bills and faster forgiveness, particularly for those with smaller loans or incomes near the poverty line." www.forbes.com/sites/robert...

For a couple of years I lived in a FL community with many Canadian snowbirds. I'm not there anymore, but this year has to be very different. "...reservations on the books for KOA parks in the U.S. by Canadians are down 49%...4,300 cancellations on 2025 reservations." rvbusiness.com/canadians-st...

Watch out for rising overdraft fees. A tough economy gets tougher. www.nclc.org/house-republ...

Here are the top 15 countries and regions that collectively accounted for more than 90% of all U.S. goods imports in 2024, according to data from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Review your tax return carefully even if you hire a tax professional as I do. Mine contained an expensive mistake.

Must-read about why the SSA system should not be rapidly tampered with - especially by those who don't know what they are doing.

Hmm....does ChatGPT know about a book I haven't written yet?

Really good episode that illustrates why the CFPB's work is so important. (I have felt the same way many times with consumers I've talked to about credit and financial problems. The CFPB has been a terrific resource for them.)

I always say I prefer to work in silence, but I started listening to this focus music with a Pomodoro timer and it's kind of magical. youtu.be/_7kSQKzd6Qs?...

Student loan borrowers - check your credit reports regularly.

Pennies now...nickels next?

We're accepting applications for our latest round of Content Creators grants! We fund all types of projects, as long as they're aligned with our mission. plutusfoundation.org/grants/ ...

I logged into SSA.gov and downloaded the history of social security and Medicare payments associated with my account, because who knows what is going to happen to government security.

If you haven't locked your credit reports, I would encourage you to consider doing so.

My first internship in DC was with the US Agency for International Development. I didn't know anything about it when I started, but quickly grew to appreciate the important work it does worldwide. I'd really like to know what knowledge, experience, or authority Elon Musk has to wipe it out.

In addition to contacting my elected officials, I am also contacting airlines to let them know I am not comfortable flying with no active Aviation Security Advisory Committee, rushed changes at the FAA and stress/understaffing for air traffic controllers. /

How small businesses may be impacted by tariffs. If you're a small business owner, are you worried, excited, or unsure about new tariffs? www.nav.com/blog/tariffs...

What can Trump do to stop federal employees from working remotely? www.reuters.com/world/us/wha... Short answer: It depends

Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ✊ #MLKDay

This podcast about inmate firefighters was fascinating. Highly recommend!

My heart goes out to the individuals and small business owners affected by the horrific wildfires. Here's an updated article I wrote about SBA Disaster Loan program resources: www.nav.com/blog/wildfir...

What a legacy. Thank you President Carter for your values, leadership and humanity.

Very important update on student loan debt relief from the @nclc4consumers.bsky.social NCLC points out: "borrowers’ options to manage their loans have changed repeatedly and often quite suddenly. This has been frustrating and confusing .." studentloanborrowerassistance.org/update-on-la...

This is tremendously good news for millions of Americans who have been financially trapped by medical debt. It won't erase the bills but it means they they won't pay more for car insurance or a credit card due to an unpaid medical bill.

If you are a tax professional, financial advisor, or business coach with clients in sign manufacturing/installation industry, I'm writing an article where I would like to include your expertise. Message me here or at my website gerridetweiler.com Also looking for business owners in that industry.

Let me just suggest you don't watch Severance and the scary numbers while finishing your year end bookkeeping...

BOI reporting requirements are back on—but companies with a Jan. 1, 2025, reporting deadline now have until Jan. 13, 2025. Reporting companies created or registered on or after Dec. 3, 2024, and on or before Dec. 23, 2024, have an additional 21 days to file. www.forbes.com/sites/kellyp...

Fascinating article from @thsofficial.bsky.social on how our pets see holiday decorations differently than we do. (And a tool you can use to see for yourself.) www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/ho...

I'm just going to admit it: I love fruitcake. This year my holiday goal is to learn how to make Mom's fruitcake with her. And now I've learned there is a National Fruitcake Day coming up. You know what I'll be doing December 27!

Some of my favorite people are those I've known professionally for years. Beverly Harzog is a financial expert who educates and inspires with advice to get out of debt and build good credit. Here's my interview on her podcast, Your Personal Economy. youtu.be/DHpRYh3rlLc?...

Important read for those with student debt, as well as parents of high-school and college-age students, and of course, future student loan borrowers. Don't know what's coming, but as changes are proposed, it's important to let your elected officials know how they may impact you and your family.